Thursday March 6, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland has purchased vehicles and weapons from clan militia forces in the Sanaag region, and militia members have been sent for military training.
Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali said government forces have taken control of all militia positions following an agreement between authorities, clan elders, and militia leaders.
"We deployed 400 soldiers with their vehicles to each position previously occupied by 200 militias. The vehicles were repainted with the national emblem and returned to their original locations," Ali said.
The militias were sent to training camps, where they will undergo military training before being integrated into Somaliland's security forces.
According to the government, the initiative aims to stabilize eastern Somaliland by disarming local residents and increasing peaceful settlement in the region.
The defense minister added that authorities would extend the effort to other areas where clan militias operate to incorporate them into the national security structure.
Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi and a high-level delegation recently held talks with elders and community leaders in Erigavo to promote peace and integrate local militias into the Somaliland army. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is also expected to visit Erigavo once the peace agreements are finalized.